Scale of mineral hardness
62The softest and hardest minerals
This hub will tell you the softest and hardest minerals according to the Mohs scale of mineral hardness which was created in 1812 by the German mineralogist Friedrich Mohs.
Scale of mineral hardness
Hardness
| Mineral
| Uses
|
|---|---|---|
1
| Talc
| Talcum powder.
|
2
| Gypsum
| Plaster ingredient.
|
3
| Calcite
| In limestone.
|
4
| Fluorite
| Prevents tooth decay.
|
5
| Apatite
| Fertilizers.
|
6
| Orthoclase
| Gemstones.
|
7
| Quarts
| Gemstones.
|
8
| Topaz
| Gemstones.
|
9
| Corundum
| Gemstones, cutting tools.
|
10
| Diamond
| Used in jewelery.
|
Talc
Click thumbnail to view full-sizeGypsum.
Click thumbnail to view full-sizeGypsum.
Gypsum has a large variety of uses. These include:
- Plaster ingredient.
- Plaster of paris.
- Blackboard chalk.
Calcite.
Click thumbnail to view full-sizeCalcite.
Calcite is a common constituent of sedimentary rocks, limestone in particular, much of which is formed from the shells of dead marine organisms. Approximately 10% of sedimentary rock is limestone.
Fluorite.
Click thumbnail to view full-sizeFluorite.
Fluorite is used instead of glass in some high performance telescopes and camera lens elements.
Apatite.
Click thumbnail to view full-sizeApatite.
Apatite is a mineral used in fertilizers.
Orthoclase.
Click thumbnail to view full-sizeOrthoclase.
Orthoclase is used in gemstones.
Quartz.
Click thumbnail to view full-sizeQuartz.
Quartz is used as gemstones and jewelery.
Topaz.
Click thumbnail to view full-sizeTopaz.
Topaz is used as gemstones and jewelery.
Corundum.
Click thumbnail to view full-sizeCorundum.
Corundum is used for gemstones and cutting tools.
Diamond.
Click thumbnail to view full-sizeDiamond
Diamond is used for jewelery.






